Segmented Woodturning…Fruit Bowl

This sequel continues our study to learn of one of the great woodworking crafts, segmented woodturning. In this woodworking video our focus shifts to learn how to woodturn the segmented fruit bowl. We will also be sanding and finishing the fruit bowl that contains 24 segments of which there are 12 staves of light walnut and 12 vertical spacers of dark walnut. Beautiful ribboned mahogany wood is used for the base.

After the yellow glue has set-up it is time to remove the masking tape and packing tape from the segmented bowl. (In a fine woodworking project like this it is imperative that all of the wood joints are tight and free of gaps.) It is now time to start turning wood. We begin by mounting the bowl and leveling the bottom of the wall section . Taking the diamond parting tool we will create an interior mortise that will accept the tenon of the mahogany base.

Next we will determine the base size.To do this we will measure the outside diameter and the mortise diameter of the bowls sidewalls. From here we will rough cut the base at the band saw allowing for a slightly larger diameter.

After the base is cut on the bandsaw we will mount the base on the wood lathe so that we can turn the tenon to fit the mortise. Again, the diamond parting tool is used to cut the tenon and a dial caliper will gauge the tenon length needed.

With the base mounted on the woodturning lathe we will take the segmented assembly and fit the mortise and tenon together. When we have a good fit we will then proceed with the glue-up of the two parts of our segmented woodturning.

After the glue-up dries and the bowl structure is complete it is time for turning wood and shaping the bowl. The segmented woodturning video reveals a spindle gouge with a fingernail grind for much of the interior and exterior wood turning. Other lathe gouges used for this sequence of wood turning include the following: A roughing gouge is used to remove the waste from the base exterior. Also, you will notice round and straight scraper gouges used on occasions as well.

After the wood turner is finished turning the fruit bowl he will then switch to sandpaper to remove any marks left by the gouge. The wood turner changes to a finer sandpaper grit as he proceeds. Typically, he will take sandpaper sheets and tear then into quarters. He will then tri-fold a quarter sheet and sand with that as the wooden bowl spins on the lathe. This fruit bowl was sanded to 220 grit sandpaper and then burnished with the wood shavings. To prepare the wood project for finishing the bowl was then wiped with a micro-fiber towel to remove any remaining dust. Our segmented woodturning is now ready for applying the protective finish.

The wood finish for the segmented fruit bowl started with an application of SealCoat and finished with three coats of satin Arm-R-Seal. This produced a nice and natural wood finish for the segmented woodturning.

Recommendations for beginning woodworkers: View the segmented woodturning video a mulitple times to get a better feel for the procedures. Pay close attention to the different lathe chucks being used at various times to hold the wood. Notice the gouges being used and how they are being used. Be patient and take your time. Always practice safety around the wood lathe. Consider taking a wood turning class to become familiar with this woodcraft.

Comments

Whoa – Did that ever turn out nicely!
I”d really been looking forward to the conclusion of this project. Another great job with the video Bob!
This project is a really good one, you make this segmented turning look accessible to the novice turner. Thanks again – I”ll be tuned for the next one.

Mike…
Thanks for taking the time to view the segmented wood turning project. As you mentioned this project is really good one and it is a great place to start for the novice turner who wants to get into segmented wood turning.
Your comment is greatly appreciated and is very encouraging.
Stay tuned.
Bob

Francisco…
1.) Bridge City Toolworks has a small book called “Woodworker’s Guide to Compound Miters.” I ordered it online from them a few years ago. It cost $8. It’s well worth the cost as it is loaded information. (from 3 sides up to 36 sides) It is easy to understand. This is good for stave turned bowls.

2.) Woodturnerpro is a software that I have found quite helpful. You can sign up and download a 30 day trial to see if you like it.

Both of these sources will provide the angles for you. (I do not receive a commission from these companies.) If you plan on turning ringed segmented pieces often then I would go with the software as it provides more information that just the angles. It will also provide information you will need for dimensioning material for each segmented ring. It’s very handy!